Milia beach, Skopelos

This is a beautiful white-sand beach extending for nearly a kilometre, backed by pine trees. The sand in Milia is very fine and glimmers white, and the turquoise waters are incredibly calm. The picturesque green islet of Dassia sits in the bay. Perfect for romantic strolls, hand in hand. In the high summer months there's a beach bar that serves chilled beers and cocktails at sunset, but Skopelos is a quiet island and the beach rarely gets crowded.• 30min bus ride from Skopelos town (to Milia bus stop), then a 10min walk. Bernadette Askouni, Ionian Island Holidays

Egremni beach, Lefkada

What really sets Egremni apart are the sheer chalky cliffs that back the beach, giving it a concentration of bright white sand and piercing blue sea. The beach is reached via steps descending along the cliffs – although not too daunting, the slight inaccessibility means it is never crowded and has a relaxed, peaceful atmosphere. It's an unspoilt spot, free from watersports or bustling beach restaurants: there's just one simple hut for basic refreshments.• 30km south of Lefkada town, accessible only by 250 steps.Nick Darby, SunIsle Holidays

Nas beach, Ikaria

About a mile west of the tiny village of Armenistis lies this tiny fjord of clean, white pebbles, hemmed in by steep cliffs on either side. The water is an incredibly clear, luminous turquoise. Just inland are the foundations of an ancient temple of Aphrodite, and a stream inhabited by terrapins, frogs and dragonflies winds its way through a steep canyon – great walking if you get bored with the beach. On the clifftop above, there's a clutch of half a dozen tavernas and simple pensions, but it's as far from big hotel and resort country as you can get in Greece these days.Robin Gauldie, author of Travellers Greek Islands (Thomas Cook, £8.99)

Balos beach, Crete

Crete's most stunning beach has to be Balos, where white sands lead on to a shallow turquoise and emerald-green lagoon and an islet, which you can reach by wading through warm, knee-high water. There's nothing on the beach but a makeshift canteen serving cold beers and water. Getting to Balos is an experience in itself as it lies six miles along the rugged Gramvousa peninsula, following a hair-raising pot-holed track. Once you reach the end, you hike 20 minutes down a steep footpath, affording unforgettable views: a great moment for photos.Jane Foster, author of Eyewitness Travel Top 10 Athens (Dorling Kindersley, £7.99)

Tsigrado beach, Milos

Safely off the tourist trail, on the south coast of the island, Tsigrado is kept reasonably free from crowds because the only way to reach it is to scramble down the cliff hanging on to ropes attached to the rock. When you reach the sea, however, it's worth it – nothing but turquoise water and crystalline sands. Most people swim, sunbathe for half an hour, then leave, but if you're organised enough to bring an umbrella, water and something to eat, you can laze the day away to your heart's content.• 12km from the main port of Adámas.Katerina Panayotopoulu, resident of Athens